ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

CAIE IGCSE Physics 3.1 General properties of waves Question Bank

Practise reading wave diagrams, applying v = f λ and explaining reflection, refraction and diffraction in ripple-tank contexts.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • label amplitude, wavelength, crests and wavefronts on diagrams or displacement graphs
  • calculate wavelength, speed or frequency using v = f λ with units
  • interpret ripple-tank diagrams for reflection, refraction and diffraction at gaps or boundaries

Covered syllabus points

3.1.1—Waves transfer energy without3.1.2—What is meant by wave motion as3.1.3—Features of a wave in terms of3.1.4—Recall/use: for wave speed v = f λ3.1.5—For a transverse wave, the direction3.1.6—For a longitudinal wave, the direction3.1.7—Waves can undergo: (a) reflection at a3.1.8—Use of a ripple tank to show: (a)3.1.9—Wavelength and gap size affects3.1.10—Wavelength affects diffraction at an

3.1 General properties of waves question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Which statement about waves is correct?

A

Waves do not transfer either energy or matter.

B

Waves transfer both energy and matter.

C

Waves transfer energy without transferring matter.

D

Waves transfer matter without transferring energy.

3.1 General properties of waves question 2

[Maximum number: 7]

A loudspeaker produces a sound wave in air. The distance between the centre of a compression and the centre of a neighbouring rarefaction is 0.10 m .

Question (a)

(a)

Calculate the wavelength of the sound wave.
wavelength =

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Calculate the frequency of the sound from the loudspeaker.
frequency =

[ 2 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Another loudspeaker produces a sound of wavelength 0.40 m . Sound from the loudspeaker reaches a sound absorbing surface with a gap of width 0.80 m at the centre.

Fig. 5.1 shows the arrangement.

Fig. 5.1

Fig. 5.1

Explain whether it is possible to detect sound from the loudspeaker at either point J or at point K.
point J
point K

[ 4 ]

3.1 General properties of waves question 3

[Maximum number: 3]

A ray of light is incident on a soap film. Fig. 5.1 shows a magnified image of a small part of the soap film. The ray of light is refracted as it enters the soap film.

Figure for Question 3.1 General properties of waves question 3 — CAIE IGCSE Physics

soap film
```
air
```


The refractive index of the soap film is 1.28 .

The ray of light is monochromatic red light with a wavelength of 680 nm in air.

Calculate the frequency of the light.

All question bank results loaded